15
Rosslyn didn’t want to go into the office, but she did. She couldn’t believe what was awaiting her. The place was crawling with law enforcement. They asked her for her ID and asked how long she’d been working for Grayson Corp. She never told them they were related, but then again, they didn’t ask.
When she sat down at her desk, she realized Uncle Max’s door was open. Was he here? She went in only to find someone from the FBI inside.
“Can I help you?” she asked.
“You are?”
“Rosslyn Clark. I’m his . . . secretary/assistant.”
The man walked over to her and asked, “When was the last time you spoke to Mr. Grayson?”
“Friday I think. Why?” The man didn’t answer her.
“What did he say when he called?”
“Not much. He let me go home early because it was slow without him here.”
“You didn’t find it odd that he didn’t return?”
She shrugged. “I haven’t been employed long enough to know his habits yet. Is he in trouble?”
“Why would you ask that?”
Duh.“Because you’re with the FBI. You’re in his office, and I highly doubt he gave you permission to be here.”
“I asked why you think he might be in trouble.”
That was easy to answer. The guy was shady. But he was her boss and, more importantly, her uncle. She wasn’t going to speak ill of him. Well, if she was sworn in at a court of law she would, but that was it.
“Like I said, I haven’t been here long enough to make any assessment of Mr. Grayson, including his character.” That at least was more of a fib than a lie. Not that there was a difference, but fib sounded so much better. “If there is nothing else, I’d like to get back to my desk.”
“We’ll be in contact if we have any more questions.”
Rosslyn went to her desk and resisted the urge to call her father. When she came to work for Uncle Max, she knew it would be interesting, but this was more than she’d bargained for. Sitting with nothing to do made her uncomfortable. It wasn’t as though she could call Max and ask if she could leave. She debated asking the FBI if she needed to linger.
As she pondered that question, she realized she hadn’t received her daily text from Charles. They had been like clockwork. He always wished her a good morning and then firmed up plans for that evening. Maybe he decided not to meet her after all. She had been harsh, probably more than she needed to be. After sleeping on it, she had every intention of apologizing. Of course, that was only if he was still speaking to her.
The way her morning started, who knew if she’d get to see Charles, even if he did reach out. She might be taken in for questioning. But with knowing nothing, she had no fear of being in trouble for doing something wrong. The most Max had allowed her to do was make coffee and schedule appointments.
Her nerves were getting the best of her and wreaking havoc with her system. She got up and started down the hallway. The agent called out, “Where are you going?”
Rosslyn turned to him and said, “The ladies’ room.”
“We’d like to speak to you.”
“Now or can it wait two minutes?”
“Now. Come with me please.” She stood there and he added, “You have a choice. You can come with me willingly or in cuffs.”
Some days it didn’t pay to get out of bed. Rosslyn walked toward him into Max’s office. He walked around the desk and sat in Max’s seat. She stood until he pointed to the chair. Once seated she waited. Speak only when spoken to and you can’t get in trouble. Of course she wasn’t sure if she already was.
The man just leaned back and stared at her. She had already told him all she knew, which was nothing. She wiggled and wished they had allowed her to use the ladies’ room. At the rate conversation wasn’t taking place, it might be a long day. That was okay, she got paid by the day. Or at least that was what it was supposed to be. Who knew what was happening now.
When he spoke he asked, “Are you involved with anyone, Miss Clark?”
That wasn’t a question she was prepared for. “I don’t see how that is any of your business.”